One of the Borders’ best known firms has agreed to become a major sponsor of local cancer charity, The Lavender Touch, for 2014.

Mainetti (UK) Limited, which has a factory in Jedburgh and is the world’s biggest manufacturer of garment hangers, says it is delighted to support the organisation which provides complementary therapy treatments to those living with cancer and their families.

The tie-up came about after Mainetti managing director Jim Hutchison met some of those involved with The Lavender Touch at last year’s Change Foundation fundraising dinner, which raised over £28,000.

“I was very impressed by the dedication and commitment of the volunteers. The compassion they showed, as well as the relief The Lavender Touch sessions can give to someone at a very difficult stage in their life, was very inspiring,” he said. “I was also interested in supporting their development of Bamboo Touch Sleepwear – pyjamas that transform the lives of patients suffering from debilitating night sweats; a side effect of some cancer treatments.”

Mainetti will help through fundraising and donations, providing staff to assist fundraising events and help source cost-effective materials and manufacturing for Bamboo Touch sleepwear. The Lavender Touchsaid: “We greatly appreciate the fact Mainetti is also embracing the opportunity to look into a variety of ways to provide innovative support, differing from normal monetary donations.”